March 3
Samuel Marzorati and Miguel Pío Fasoli de Zerbo, martyrs (†1716)
Martyrs
The Franciscans Samuel Marzorati and Miguel Pío Fasoli de Zerbo undertook difficult missionary journeys through Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia at the beginning of the 18th century.
Biography
Miguel Pío had already participated in a first frustrated expedition; Samuel had attempted to found a mission on the island of Socotra. Later united with Blessed Liberato Weiss, they sought to reach Ethiopian Christians and serve the unity of the Church. They were detained, interrogated and pressured to abandon the Catholic faith. In 1716 they accepted death rather than deny their vocation and their ecclesial communion.
Practical advice
Pray for two specific missionaries and send them, if possible, a message or help that makes them feel the support of the Church.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice